Distributor head



P 1951 T. w. BURNAM EI'AL 2,568,429

DISTRIBUTOR HEAD Filed Oct. 19, 1945 '5 Shorts-Sheet 1 Sept- 18, 1951 T.w. BURNAM ETAL DISTRIBUTOR HEAD 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 19, 1945 T.w. BURNAM EI'AL 2,568,429

Sept. 18, 1951 DISTRIBUTOR HEAD 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 19, 1945 0My Hwy 1. 1 M y &4 n. O O O a H Sept- 1 1 1 T. w. BURNAM EIALDISTRIBUTOR HEAD 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 19, 1945 villi/61 61 I T.W. BURNAM ETAL 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 19, 1945 9 0 7 J 5 1 0 0 M w,1 1 w w w m m 3 7 3 I. zzzzzz war 4 III Patented Sept. 18, 1951 UNITED ISTATES PATENT OFFICE DISTRIBUTOR HEAD Thompson W. Burnam, Whittier, andGeorge D. Ramsay, San Marino, Califl, assignors, by direct and mesneassignments, to Fog Nozzle Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a limitedpartnership Application October 19, 1945, Serial No. 623,310

tionally designed, the ports or orifices of the heads through which thewater or other fireextinguishing .fl-uid is to emerge, are open to gasfumes, dust, etc., in the space surrounding the installation, and as aresult the conventional distributor heads are subject to stoppage byfumes or dirt. distributing heads on fire-extinguishing installationshave a certain fixed relation of their orifices or ports through whichthe fluid is to emerge which adapts each particular distributor head foremcient-operation only at .a certain range of fluid pressure. It, incertain cases, the fluid pressure behind the distributor head fallsbelow the range of eflicient operation of the head, the head is nolonger an adequate fire protection means. Loss or fluid pressure to adistributor head may arise from various causes, without always afiordingany notice of the inadequacy of the installation.

It is the general object oi the present invention to provide distributorheads in which the orifices or ports through which the fluid is toemerge are arranged in relatively movable parts or members. These partsor members are movable from closed to open, or operating, positionentirely responsive to the application to the distributor heads of anoperating fluid pressure. In the closed position of such parts the portsor orifices or the distributor heads are protected from being affectedby steam, dust, etc., in the space surrounding the heads so that whilethe distributor heads are standing in inoperative position nodeterioration or plugging of the ports or orifices may occur. Therelatively movable parts are movable entire application of the fluidpressure to the operating position where the desired spray or fog iscreated :by't-he head. In certain, at least, of the distributor heads ofthe present invention, means are provided by which the relation of theports and orifices vary in accordance with the operating pressures ofthe permits a relative axial movement between the chambers so that thechambers are relatively Moreover, .as conventionally designed,

movable, and the relative movement of the chambers varies in accordancewith the fluid pressure applied, In this way the distributor heads ofthe present invention automatically compensate for varying fluidpressures and are movable through out a wide range of fluid pressures toproduce an efficient spray or fog for extinguishing fires.

In certain forms of the present invention at least, the distributorheads are provided with a multiplicity of passages, ports or orificesthrough which the fire-extinguishing fluid may emerge andthe meansprovided for relatively moving the chambers of the head are arranged toexpose varying numbers of such ports or orifices, or a varying area ofports or orifices, for the discharge of the fluid in such manner as tovary the volume of the emerging fluid in accordance with the vfluidpressure, and to thereby maintain the relationship of the orifices ornozzles relative to the actuating fluid pressure such as to eiiecefiicient fog generation.

While one of the major purposes of the presen invention is to providedistributor heads particularly useful for fire protection service infixed installations, many of the principles of the present invention maybe utilized in distributor heads of the portable type attached toflexible hoses or pipe extensions, or the heads may find utility inother fields than fire protection.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the design andarrangement of the ports and orifices of a spray head.

Another object of the present invention is to provide distributor headshaving various resilient means .for closing the heads, some of which areactuated by spring-actuated means and some by rubber or other resilienttype material.

Another object of the present invention is to combine with thedistributor heads of the automatic opening and closing type heretoforedescribed, certain means :such as fusible links, fusible bands, etc.,for automatically initiating the application of the fluid pressure tothe heads for opening the same.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide distributor headsincluding novel slotted type ports for forming the fog or spray toprovide double spring-actuating means and under certain conditions toprovide weight-actuated closing devices.

The distributor heads of the present invention,

together with a number of other advantages and objects, will be morefully explained in connection with the following description given of anumber of preferred forms or examples of distributor heads embodying theinvention. For that purpose the preferred forms of the presentinvention, together with various modifications, are described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is anelevation, mainly in vertical section, of one form of distributor headembodying the invention, the distributor head being shown in the closedposition.

Figure 2 is a similar view, showing the distributor head in an openposition.

Figure 3 is a vertical section of a modified form of distributor head,showing the distributor head open position.

Figure 9 is an elevation mainly in section of a modified form of theapparatus, employing a fusible link.

Figure 10 is a similar view showing another form of the apparatusemploying a different form of fusible link.

Figure 11 is an elevation mainly in section of a further modified formof the device, using a fusible band in the closed position.

Figure 12 is a similar view, in the open position.

Figure 13 is an elevation of a modified form of the invention, allowingfor a multiple opening.

Figure 14 is an elevation in section of a modified form of the apparatusemploying a resilient washer.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary section of thedevice in the open position.

Figure 16 is a plan view'of one of the washers.

Figure 17 is an elevation of a modified form of the invention.

Figure 18 is a section on the line |8-l8 of Fig. 17.

Figure 19 is an elevation in vertical section of a further modified formof the invention, illustrating the employment of independent resilientmeans for controlling different separating movements of the distributorhead.

Figure 20 is an elevation mainly in section of a modified form of thedevice, using exterior springs for controlling the closing action.

Figure 21 is a similar view of the device in the open position.

Referring, first, to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawlngs, the distributorhead embodies an upper member 2 which may be provided with a threadedportion l by means of which the distributor head may be attached to anysuitable source of fluid supply. The upper member 2 is of generalhollow, cylindrical shape and at its lower end is threaded as indicatedto an orifice plate 3. The orifice plate 3 is perforated with aplurality of ports or orifices 4, usually circular in cross-section andplaced at an usual or desired-angle. The head also includes a lowermember 5 which is also hollow and roughly hemispherical in and 4adetermine the extent of the projection of the' resulting fog from thedistributor head. When the streams emerge nearly perpendicular theextent of coverage by the spray head is less than where the streamsimpinge at less angles; theangles of the orifices thereby enable thedesign of the head to meetexisting conditions in accordance with thewellknown practice in the are of designing distributor heads operatingunder the impinging principle.

The orifice plate 6 is formed on an annular tube I which extendsupwardly into the upper member 2 of the head. The orifice plate 3 has asliding fit on the tube 1 which serves to maintain the upper and lowermembers 2, 5 of the head in axial alignment, but allows relative axialmovement therebetween.

A coil spring 9 isprovided Within the upper member 2 engaging at itslower end the orifice plate 3 and at its upper end a retaining disc .IU.A stop-nut H is provided on the tube 1 to limit downward travel. Fluidfrom the chamber provided by the upper member 2 may pass through thetube 1 into the chamber by the lower member 5. At suitable points spacedcircumferent'ially, the tube 1 is provided with a plurality of orificesl3, one of the orifices I3 being provided in alignment witheach of thepairs of orifices 4 and 4a. The orifices I3 are designed to direct astream of fluid radially of the head, meeting the intersections betweenthe streams of fluid emergi'ng'from'orifices 4 and 4a and assisting inbreaking up the water in the desired fog or spray. The retaining disc IDis held by a bolt l6 and may be provided with orifices 3 to facilitatethe flow of fluid by the disc Ill.

The lower chamber 5 has a frusto-conically shaped closureprovided with aplurality of sets of orifices M arranged circumferentially on the'frusto-conical closure, each set of orifices Mincluding three orificesdisposed angularly with each other and designed to form emerging streamsof fluid which will intersect or impinge upon one another at a commonpoint in advance of the orifices. The closure provides a guide for thebolt 16 and the bolt [6 is indicated as provided with a cap l5 which inoperative position of the head closes the lower end of the head andprevents entrance of fumes, dust, etc. to the ports or orifices I4.

The device shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings operates as follows:When no fiuid pressure is applied to the device, the device ismaintained in the position shown in Figure 1. For this purpose thespring 9, which is a compresion spring, operatesby compression againstthe disc ID to spring the cap [5 in position to engage the lower member5 and move the lower member 5 into position where the orifice plates 3and 6 are in contact, as indicated, with the respective shoulders of thelower members 2 and 5 contacting each other and thereby enclosing theorifices 4 and do from gas, fumes and dust which may be in the spacesurrounding the head. In a similar manner, as before pointed out, thecap 15 protects the orifices I4.

When the fiuid pressure is applied the device 3 moves toward the fullyopen position indicated in Fig. 2 the extent of movement depending uponthe extent of fluid pressure applied to the device, the pressure of thewater forcing the device to open being opposed by the force of thespring 9 so that the extent of opening of the device comes toequilibrium at any given fiuid pressure. In the open positions of thedevice, two sources ases m land timing directed mainlyradially or thehead, the other source being provided by the impinging orifices it and.being directed atan axial. direction downwardly from the head.

- Wl'renthe orifices" areoonstructedaslndicatod,

that isin the dorm or narrow vertical slots, in

' the partially" open position of the device only a portion 01 the areaof such orifices-is open (or thexemergenoe of fluid radiallythmughxthe'ports ii and this arrangement 01 orifices isiound to beeffective in allowing the device to'auimnatisally compensate for widevariations in fluid pressure'back in the distributor head.

Now reierringtoaFigures 3 and l of'the-drawingsi, the distributor headthere-illustrated comprises an upper'member 20 and a lower member '21,both members being generally hollow and o! a. general cylindrical shape;thenppermcmher being provided with a tin-ended stem 22 for attachmenttoa source of fluid. Theuppermemher is threaded at its lower end to anorifice tubei l andtin engagement with the lower conical surface" of thering 23. A plurality of sets oi orifices or ports are provided, the setsbeing spaced circumferentially of the device and each set. consisting-oian orifice 28, the upper end of tlzering 21 engaging the ring. '24 andslot '25 iss'laznted' upwardly, and a radial orifice 3!; Thus inoperational: the deyice three streams ill ofwateremerge from the orifice28, slot 29 and orifice iil which impinge together to break the water-upinto a tog-or spray. Thespaoe-provided by the slot 29 incombination withthe .ring n for the. discharge of fluid is identical with thespacepmvided by one of the orifices '28 and directs the fluid at thesame-angle to the axis so that thestreams o!- Iluid emerging fromtheslots 2! and the orifices :2! are ot'like volume and will impingetogether when the apparatus is in the position. in Figure 4 to causethe" water to be broken into a fog; at the same time the water flowingthrough radial orifice Silmpinges with the other two sets of streams.

The tube 24 receives a coil spring 81 which engages the head of a bolt32; the lower end of which is threaded to a head 33. head 33 Inoperation the spring 3! in absence of water pressure, draws the'head '33upwardly until the orifices provided on said head areenclosed within themember 2 1. It likewise draws together the upper and lower members 21'and 2|.

Now referring to Figures '5 and 6 of the drawings, we have shown anothermodified form of the invention which includes an upper member 36:, alower member 3!, and aclosure cap 18. The closure cap 38'- is mounted'ona bolt 39 which is yieldingly urged upwardlyhy a spring N. At

the'lower theuppermember 36 is threaded an orifice ring whichprovidesacircumterential-series'of orifices 12, each set atoriflces'consisting of a central, radially disposed orifice forwardlyand downwardly angled orifices, and alower" forwardly angled orifice, asindicated. The orifice ring 41 provides "a guide'on which the bolt 39'is mcuntedand alsoa guide retaining flange (or the'lower member 31. Thelower member 31 has an orifice plate 43 having a plurality of sets ofcircumferentially arranged oriflees M similar to the orifices l2directed mainly downwardly. The cap 38 is adapted, in the-closedposifion, tooover the-orifices ll, The particular forms of the orificeindicated in this form of the invention readily adaptthemselves to avariety of designs which will permit any desired pattern or density offog to be obtained.

Nowreierring to Figures 7 and" 80f their-awings, we-haveshown adistributorhead substazv tlally' similar to that shown in Figure I ofthe drawings, with the exception. that in 7 and'fithere is indicated anannular ring #5 made of an elastic material, such as rubber, usedinsubstitution for the coilspring- 9 in the-distributor head illustrated.in Figures l and '2'.

Now deferring tc Figure 9 of the drawing, we have illustrated themodified form of distributor head particularly arranged inorder tolnccnporate a novel form of automatic fusible linlr actuating mechanism.As indicated in Figure 9; the body of the head is provided in twoseparate parts. an upper part It and a lower part, and there is provideda closure cap ll". The upper-and lower haveorifice plates 4! and Slattheir meeting times, in which are "provided the orifices to form thedesired spray patteni from the: distributor head; A coil spring 51 isindicated for the purpose of supporting the opening of the -device underinfluence ofthei fluid presslne. The closure cap I is threaded tcaahollow tube 48" having a retaining ring II which is engaged a spring 43'for yieldingly urging the capli to a closed position. The upper member15 is indicated as having a laterally extending threaded connection 52bymeans 0! which connection may be made to a source oi fluidprcssure-This connection is closed'by a valve head 53- held against itsseat by alink 54, which link extends through an opening in the member isandexteriorly of the member is in engagement with a loose link 55 whichlooks the valve head 51 inthe" closed position. 'Ihelink at: its lowerend is engaged-by a fusible link 56. When-a fire occurs, it melts thefusible links 56 links- 55 and 5! are loosened, allowing the cap 58 tobc forced from its seat on the valve, and the fluid pressure then entersthe device, bringing the parts to the operating How referring" to Figure10, we have indicated another modification oi the fusible link and thedistributor head of our invention. In this form of the'l'nventlcn thedistributor-head is indicated as having an upper portion 51' and a lowerportlon 38 which meet together and between which are providedtheormccplates 59 and 60 which contain the orifices which generate thelog or spray on opening of the device. In this form of the invention theupper member is provided with a threaded stem 61 for connecting the headboa source oi fluid pressure, and a valve member 62 'isprovided forclosing the stem 5!. The valve member 8! is threaded to an annular tube-63' ex"- irom' the lower "member 58. It is yield-- ingly urged'to'the-closed position by the spring 64 which also serves to yieldinglyurge members 51 and 58 into the closed position. -In this form of thedevice the fluid pressure against the seat '62 is suflicient to open thedevice but forthe fusible-link assembly which includes the yoke 85pivoted at 66 to an arm 51. The yoke 85 engages the upper face of themember 51 with pivot :point 68 and'the linkage engages the lower'face ofthe head; a fusible link 68 is attached to the upper member 51 and thearm 61. When a fire occurs, the rise in temperature causes the fusiblelink 88 to fail and the arms and yoke drop downwardly under theinfluence of the fluid pressure on valve member 82, permitting theoperation of the device. v

Another modification of the distributor head .using the fusible links isshown in Figures. 11 and 12. In these figures the distributor head per,se may, if desired, be identical with that shown in Figure 10 exceptthat suitablerecesses 69 and 18 are provided in the upper member 51 andlow er-member 58, respectively, to receive a cast fusible band 1|. Thegrooves 69 and 18 are entirely filled by the cast band made of asuitable metallic alloy which, when heated, will rupture and permit thedevice to'open in the manner previously fdescribed.= Y

Now referring to Figure 13, we have illustrated the distributor head ofthe present invention arranged to provide a-multiplicity of separatelyacting fog-creating means. As indicated in the figure, the devicecomprises four separately movable members 12, 13, 14 and 15, in additionto the separately movable lower member 18. The lower member 16isnormally held closed by compression spring 11 and has orifices 18through which fluid maybe distributed outwardly and :downwardly on theopening of thecap 18. Be-

tween each pair of the members 12-15, inclusive.-

*are provided orifice plates generally indicated at '19, containingorifices for forming impinging streams. These plates are dowelledtogether for guiding purposes, as by dowels 88, and springs 8| areindicated for normally closing the respective members. The spring actsonthe tube 82 which may contain the radial port 83 which in the openposition cooperates with the ports. in

the-plate 19, forming the fog or spray pattern. T ,With the device asindicated when water pressure is applied there willbe separation betweenmembers 12 and 13 for disclosing one series of fog to jet-generatingmeans, a separation between the members 13 and 14 for allowing theoperation of another set of fog or spray-generating means, and anopening between parts 14 and 15 .for permitting the operation of thestill further set of fog or spray-generating means.

;In Figure 14 we have showna modified form of distributor head in whichthe means are main-. -1y characterized by the inclusionof a -resilientwasher for cooperation with the. orifices in formi g the fog or sprayoperations. As indicated in Figures v14, 15and 16, the distributorhead'consists of relatively movable members 84 and 85 having at theirmeeting faces an orifice plate 86 and having theusual spring-actuatedmeans 81 for closing the members 84 and 85. In this form of .theapparatus there is added star-shaped resilient washers 88 of flexiblematerial, normally in the position indicated in Figure 15 but adapted tobe collapsed in the position indicated in Figum 14 by the spring 81. Thewashers are star shaped so that when the fogor spray is discharged theyhave the effect or -breaking upthe of the spray delivered from the head.

of the spring 99. adjustment nut.99 connected to the springs 99" .sprayinto a star shaped particlep When the .device opens, the washers 88assume the position indicated in Figure 15 and control the pattern Nowreferring to Figures'l'l and 18 of .the drawings, these figuresillustrate a distributor head of substantiallythe same type aspreviously. indicated-that is, the head includes the upper member. andthe lower member 98, the lower member beingattached to a tube 9| whichis urged upwardly by a spring 92. The lower member is provided With anorifice ring 93 which has a running fit with the lower, inside wall ofthe upper member 89. Extending radially through the ring 98 are providedslots 94. In the position of the device indicatedin Figure 17, theentire area of theslot is closed by contact between the ring 93 and thelower, inside wall of the member 89 but as the members 89 and'98separate under hydraulic pressure, a progressively increasing area ofthe slots 94 becomes exposed to the dischargeof water, spray or fog.This form of the device provides a very simple means for varying thequantities of water supplied by the distributor head in' accordance withthe pressure back of the head.

Now referring to'Figure 19,.the distributor head therein illustratedcomprises the upper member 95 and the lower member 98. Between themembers 95 and 98 are orifice plates 91 containing the for generatingthe fog or spray pattern on opening of the device. The dowel 98 isintended for maintaining the orifices in proper circumferentialalignment. For controlling the opening between members 95-and 95 thereis provided the tube 99 connected with the lower member 96 nd urgedupwardly the compression spring 99.

The device also includes sets of orifices I at the lower end of themember 98 which arenormally covered by-a cap I8I. The caprl8I is mountedon a bolt I82 guided within the tube 99 and urged to-the closed positionby a spring I03 independent B separately adjusting the and spider I82threaded to the stem I82 of cap I8| one may independently adjust thedegree 01' openingof the device at its lower end as compared with theopening at its center. 1

Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the device comprises. an upper member I84and a lower member I85. The upper member I84 is provided with anorifice bearing ring I86 for generation of the fog Y or spray pattern,which is-adapted tobe covered and uncovered by the movement of a movablesleeve I81. The movable'sleeve I81 is normally urged into the closedposition by a compression spring I88 and is'adapted to be moved to'the'open position by fiuid pressure applied to the interior of the sleevethrough ports. I 89. The lower member I is threaded on an'extension tubeIII of member I84 and has-mounted therein a movable orificecontainingring IIU having orifices arranged in the open position todirect .a fogOrspray pattern downwardly or outwardly. The ring I18 is axially guidedon a centraltube 'I II integral with the upper member I84 and is urgedinto the closed position by the exterior spring II2, the tension ofwhich is adjustable by anut II 3 independently of the tension on thespring I88.

While the particular forms of the apparatus herein illustrated are welladapted to carry out the objects of the invention, it is to beunderstood that various changes and modifications may be made, and thisinvention includes the modifications and changes that come within thescope of the appended claims.

We claim: 7

1. A distributor head comprising two orifice members each having boresfor discharging fluid in the form of a spray or fog, two relativelymovable members movable from a closed position in which said orificemembers are enclosed within said movable members to an open position,means yieldingl urging said movable members to the closed position, oneorifice member being attached to one of said relatively movable members,the other orifice member being attached to the other relatively movablemember so that said orifice members are moved apart as the relativelymovable members are moved to the open position, the bores in saidorifice being adapted to form impinging jets in the open position andmeans for directing fluid against said relatively movable members sothat they are responsive to fluid applied to said distributing head formovement into the open position.

2. A distributor head which comprises two members mounted for relativeaxial movement to and from a closed position, an orifice member attachedto each of the first two movable members and mounted to be covered bysaid movable members in their closed position and to be uncovered in theopen position of said movable members, the orifice members thus beingmoved apart as the movable members move to the open position, eachorifice member having a spray or fog-generating bore which is adapted toform a jet which impinges with the jet from the other orifice member,means for yieldingly maintaining the said relatively movable members inclosed position, and means for directing the fluid pressure applied tosaid distributor head against said relatively movable members to effectopening of the same.

3. A distributor head comprising a first member and a second membermovable relative to the first member to and from a closed position,orifice means mounted to be enclosed within said movable members in theclosed position thereof and including a member attached to each movablemember, each of the members of said orifice means having a bore forgenerating a fluid spray or fog to be emitted between said movablemembers in the open position thereof, the bores forming impinging jetsin the open position of said movable members, a third member movablerelative to said second member, orifice means mounted to be enclosedwithin said second and third movable members in the closed positionthereof and having bores adapted for generatin a fog or spray emittedbetween said second and third movable members in the open positionthereof, means for yieldingly urging the first and second movablemembers to the closed position, means for independently yieldinglyurging the second and third movable members to the closed position, andmeans for pplying fluid pressure for urging said movable members intothe open position.

4. A distributor head which comprises an upper chambermember, a lowerchamber member, a central tube connected to one of said membersintel-connecting the chambers with said members and providing an axialguide for relative move- 7 ment of said members, said members beingmovable from a closed to an open position, Y elding members.

means for urging the members to the closed position, the fluid chambersof said members being arranged so that the fluid pressure within saidmembers urges the members to the open position, and two dischargecontrol members positioned to be enclosed by said chamber members in theclosed position and having bores for the discharge of fluid between saidchamber members in the open position thereof, one control member beingattached to one chamber member, the other control member being attachedto the other chamber member, so that the control members are relativelymovable with the movements of the chamber members, the bores of thecontrol members being angularly related to form impinging jets in theopenposition of the chamber members.

5. A distributor head which comprises an upper chamber member, a lowerchamber member, a central tube interconnecting the chambers within saidmember and providing an axial guide for relative movement of saidmembers, said members being movable from a closed to an open position,yielding means for urgin the members to the closed position, the'fluidchambers of said members being arranged so that the fluid pressurewithin said members urges the members to the open position, anddischarge control members positioned to be enclosed by said chambermembers in the closed position and having bores for the discharge offluid between said chamber members in the open position thereof, saiddischarge control members including circumferential series ofcooperating sets of bores which sets of bores include an axial bore andtwo other bores angularly related thereto adapted to form impinging jetsof fluid.

6. A distributor head for producing a fluid spray or fog, saiddistributor head including two members normally closed together to forma chamber but movable to an open position by pressure of fluid withinsaid chamber, means within said chamber including a member attached toeach of the movable members for the discharge of fluid in the form of aspray or fog, said latter members each including a bore angularlyrelated relative to the bore of the other member and positioned to formimpinging jets, the discharge area of the bores being independent of theposition of the two relatively movable THOMPSON W. BURNAM. GEORGE D.RAMSAY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the flle ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 163,101 Orr (May 11, 1875 945,867Richter Jan. 11, 1910 1,981,909 Bills et al Dec. 2'1, 1932 1,898,325Venn Feb. 21, 1933 2,255,119 Kennedy Sept. 9, 1941 2,332,535 Ross Oct.26, 1943 2,343,305 Larter Mar. '7, 1944 2,404,804 Lee July 30, 1946FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 373,491 Germany Apr. 12, 1923

